Help need advice over plants suitable for containers in a school playground

[GodolphianArabian]

I've volunteered to help the pta sort out their planters. I'm enthusiastic but not all that knowledgeable. So far their lavender is thriving but they have a number of empty planters. Any ideas? Nontoxic obviously, so far I've thought of heather, mint, hebe, thyme, succulents.

Given the time of year what would people recommend?

Have you thought about bulbs? Bulb planting season will be soon so daffs, crocuses and tulips. One of the classes might like to plant the bulbs out later this term and then they will look fab in spring.

Sorry, assuming you are in a primary with the suggestion of classes planting! If you are in a secondary, bulbs might take more maintenance than you planned but would still look lovely in spring.

No it is primary so you're right I expect some would like to plant bulbs! I will ask the school about the children helping. Thanks

How big are the planters? If they're of any size, my top tip would be to lay a membrane to minimise weeding and use bark mulch to conserve water. With long school holidays, anything you can do like that will help your plants when there aren't people around - I think your lavender is doing well because it thrives on a bit of healthy neglect

Silvery foliage generally is a good indicator of naturally drought-resistant plants - so maybe a silver 'treasure' theme?

Rosemary thrives in poor, dry conditions so would probably work. Mint fairly easy but needs more water. Lots of different varieties with different smells too. Smells add to the sensory impact too.

Or how about some ornamental grasses? Lots to choose from and generally pretty hardy to neglect. Something with tall swishy seed heads to add sound/texture.

I’d put some giant alliums in, the kids will love them!

How about nasturtiums? Very bright edible flowers.

If you’re looking for something more permanent, I would recommend a dwarf flowering cherry as you get lovely flowers in spring and bright coloured leaves in autumn
www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/70924/i-Prunus-incisa-i-Kojo-no-mai/Details
Mine seems to be pretty tough.

The things that my kids like though are big, showy flowers (irises, tulips, alliums, daffodils) or annuals they can watch growing from seed (nasturtiums, cosmos, godetia, marigolds, sunflowers). So you could keep one planter for spring bulbs then empty it and use it for annuals when the bulbs finish in spring.